I'm looking for suggested paths as I level up my Drow Rogue.
I don't want to multi-class. I'm not big into casting spells. I just want to be a ranged Sneak Attacker (so maybe maximize attacks and/or damage?) I am a Soulknife I also like crossbows, and I've considered: Crossbow Expert, Sharpshooter, Dual Wielder (hand crossbows?), but I'm open to other suggestions (Skulker?)…
Right now, I'm using my Psychic Blades because I get 2 attacks, but I may switch to a light crossbow at higher levels because I think a single attack does more damage than 2 psychic blade attacks (not sure about this though). Can I even use a heavy crossbow? Other options?
As a Soulknife, it would be a shame to not use the ability that gives you your namesake, so I would go for feats that will make you better at using those. Don't forget that you can throw your Psychic Blades, and you do get to add your ability modifier to the bonus action attack. Assuming 2024 rules, here are a few good pickups to consider:
Skulker - +1 Dex, 10ft Blindsight, missed attacks when hidden don't reveal your location, advantage on Stealth checks to Hide in combat
Mage Slayer - +1 Dex, casters have disadvantage on Concentration saves after you damage them, 1 free auto-success on a failed Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma save per rest
If you can use old content:
Elven Accuracy - +1 Dex, your attacks with advantage using Dex/Int/Wis/Cha get to roll 3d20 instead of 2d20
Honorable Mention:
Telekinetic - +1 Int/Wis/Cha, Learn the Mage Hand cantrip which you can cast without V/S components, telekinetic shove as a bonus action (this one feels thematic, and a decent pickup if you have an odd modifier on one of your mental stats)
Personally, I would go with Skulker if you can't use older content, and Elven Accuracy if you can. the super advantage is awesome on any Rogue because missing your attacks is a major bummer, and Vex + Elven Accuracy will basically mean you will never miss once you get Vex going.
To follow Jounichi1983. What is your ability score? A dex that is an odd number, maybe go with a feat that gives you a +1, but if the score is an even number, adding a +1 does not give you much, but it does set you up for the next level that gives you asi. In that case, do you play a slow game, get a feat and wait or add a +2 and get that bonus increased?
Do you need two abilities to be increased? If so maybe forget the feat this round and boost both scores.
Basically needing a feat and needing a boost, means you have to determine which is a better short term gain and which needs to wait for long term.
Using Soulknife features would be nice. I have been trying to throw 2 blades each turn.
We're using 2024 rules. Slow game, I guess (not sure what that is, but our rounds take a long time, hehe)? Here's some of my character stats from Level 2. I've since levelled up to 3 and chose Soulknife, so the stats are a little higher now.
(If you right click and "Open image in new tab", it will be twice as big)
Increasing to DEX 20 would give you +1 attack roll, damage roll, Initiative, AC, DEX save, DEX check
This is the choice that needs to be made. Immediately receive the benefits listed by Plaguescarred or wait to receive those benefits on level 8, but get a feat now.
However, if you go for the 2 point ASI upgrade now, when you get the feat at 8th level, you will/might not be able to get the +1 dex benefit, so you will get 0 ASI.
From a pure paper pusher POV, you would be more efficient to get the feat at 4 level and +2 at level 8. however, getting the +2 ASI might be a better short term value.
As you already have an 18 Dex, you are already ahead of where most would be at 4th level using point buy (I understand you didn't use point buy, but that is the baseline).
If you had a 16 dex, i'd say go +2 to Dex at this level, then consider Feats at 8th level. However, you already have an 18 dex at 4th level, so I would go with a Feat this time around. You don't really "need" that 20 ability score until 12th level 'ish'.
As a Soulknife, I would go Sharpshooter at 4th level with your ability scores. The +1 to Dex is negligible (but sets things up for later), but the ignoring of cover, being able to take ranged attacks in melee without disadvantage, etc. would be very useful. Ignoring cover is the equivalent of +2 or +5 to hit against targets that think they're safe.
I would use your psychic blades as your primary form of attack, and I would do so ranged and Sharpshooter helps that with. Remember, most monsters don't have ranged attacks, and the farther you are from your enemy the less damage you take (and the longer they take to reach you). Being able to stand off and attack at range, ignoring cover, and depending on the weapon being able to ignore range categories while still applying sneak attack is your bread and butter with a Soulknife.
Any enemy that steps up to one of your allies, becomes your target = sneak attack.
I'd do ASI to max out your DEX. Most subclass features of Soul Knife revolve around you using the psychic blades, so it makes no sense to swap to any other weapon, and the only feat that would really make a big difference to your psychic blades is Fighting Initiate: Thrown Weapon Fighting (if you DM allows that content). Skulker could be good if you are using the Hide action to get your Sneak Attack, but if you have many melee allies that are giving you Sneak Attack opportunities it probably isn't worth it.
As a Soulknife, I would go Sharpshooter at 4th level with your ability scores. The +1 to Dex is negligible (but sets things up for later), but the ignoring of cover, being able to take ranged attacks in melee without disadvantage, etc. would be very useful. Ignoring cover is the equivalent of +2 or +5 to hit against targets that think they're safe.
I would use your psychic blades as your primary form of attack, and I would do so ranged and Sharpshooter helps that with. Remember, most monsters don't have ranged attacks, and the farther you are from your enemy the less damage you take (and the longer they take to reach you). Being able to stand off and attack at range, ignoring cover, and depending on the weapon being able to ignore range categories while still applying sneak attack is your bread and butter with a Soulknife.
Benefits of Sharpshooter letting you Firing Into Melee and Long Shots don't work with Psychic Blade because it's not a ranged weapon but a melee weapon.
True, but he did say he was also looking at carrying a ranged weapon. And the benefits of ignoring cover apply to ranged attacks, not just ranged weapons. I would still go with Sharpshooter given what he's trying to do, but that's just my advice - he's free to do as he pleases.
Skulker - i do not believe would be very useful. It is so easy to get sneak attack without needing to be hidden, that hiding in combat is almost pointless (see other threads on that topic). It is also easy to get advantage, which again, means there's really no need to ever hide in combat; and since you're not hiding, there's no need for an ability that allows you to stay hidden, if you're not hiding in the first place. Using Cunning Action to hide is almost always inferior to the other choices for a bonus action (disengage, off-hand attack).
Again, these are just my suggestions - but everyone I have seen taking Skulker ends up regretting the choice when they see what they've given up to use it. Skulker is one of those things that works best on solo play, or NPCs, not PCs who always travel in a group.
True, but he did say he was also looking at carrying a ranged weapon. And the benefits of ignoring cover apply to ranged attacks, not just ranged weapons. I would still go with Sharpshooter given what he's trying to do, but that's just my advice - he's free to do as he pleases.
Skulker - i do not believe would be very useful. It is so easy to get sneak attack without needing to be hidden, that hiding in combat is almost pointless (see other threads on that topic). It is also easy to get advantage, which again, means there's really no need to ever hide in combat; and since you're not hiding, there's no need for an ability that allows you to stay hidden, if you're not hiding in the first place. Using Cunning Action to hide is almost always inferior to the other choices for a bonus action (disengage, off-hand attack).
Again, these are just my suggestions - but everyone I have seen taking Skulker ends up regretting the choice when they see what they've given up to use it. Skulker is one of those things that works best on solo play, or NPCs, not PCs who always travel in a group.
Great analysis @HarmAssassin (your previous post too). You seem to understand what I'm trying to do.
Unfortunately, it looks like @Plaguescarred is right about Sharpshooter not bypassing disadvantage for melee or long ranged attacks with Psychic Blades, but:
You're right about Sharpshooter ignoring cover for Psychic Blades attacks
You're right that I'd bypass disadvantage if I use my crossbow(s)
I can always use Psychic Blades from 5-60'without disadvantage (even without Sharpshooter), which I think is a pretty good range (Lt Crossbow is 320', wow!).
But honestly, thinking about it now with mostly just being able to hit targets that are in half or 3/4 cover doesn't seem that useful to me.
I like your alternate viewpoint on Skulker. My counter question would be that I like to be in total cover or hidden so enemies can't target me. What's a good way besides Hide to avoid being targeted by ranged enemies or approached and targeted by melee enemies? I suppose I could stay out of their range weapon range or their movement range, but that's not always easy to know or track.
Also, if I'm not hiding to get advantage, then what are some easy ways to get advantage so I can Sneak Attack? I know about these:
Have an ally within 5' of an enemy - I have a goliath barbarian that's pretty good at doing this for me... it takes time though.
Hit with a weapon that has the Vex mastery property (which Psychic Blades do), so I get advantage on my 2nd attack (if I hit with the 1st), but that doesn't help with my initial attack. Also, it's limited to the same enemy, but our DM tends to throw large groups of enemies at us, so that doesn't work out for me much. I seem to have new targets each turn, lol.
Any suggestions? Is there a better feat now or later that would help with these goals?
the only feat that would really make a big difference to your psychic blades is Fighting Initiate: Thrown Weapon Fighting (if you DM allows that content).
When looking at the Feats, I didn't understand what the "Fighting Style Feat (Prerequisite: Fighting Style Feature)" means.
the only feat that would really make a big difference to your psychic blades is Fighting Initiate: Thrown Weapon Fighting (if you DM allows that content).
When looking at the Feats, I didn't understand what the "Fighting Style Feat (Prerequisite: Fighting Style Feature)" means.
I'm not sure if those are available to me?
It refers to the class feature held by Fighters, Paladins, and Rangers.
the only feat that would really make a big difference to your psychic blades is Fighting Initiate: Thrown Weapon Fighting (if you DM allows that content).
When looking at the Feats, I didn't understand what the "Fighting Style Feat (Prerequisite: Fighting Style Feature)" means.
I'm not sure if those are available to me?
Fighting Initiate is from 2014 rules, which was designed to allow classes without Fighting Style to get a Fighting Style. Hence why I mentioned "if your DM allows it".
If you already have 18 DX, then take the full ASI to get to 20 DX. Rogue is pretty much the SADest of the SAD, and just gets great benefits from that. (If you had a 17, per point buy or standard array, then a General Feat would be great, but for now you can wait until level 8.)
Edit: specifically, +1 to attack, +1 to damage, +1 to AC, +1 to initiative, +1 to Stealth (, +1 to Acrobatics, +1 to Sleight of Hand)...
I'm looking for suggested paths as I level up my Drow Rogue.
I don't want to multi-class.
I'm not big into casting spells.
I just want to be a ranged Sneak Attacker (so maybe maximize attacks and/or damage?)
I am a Soulknife
I also like crossbows, and I've considered: Crossbow Expert, Sharpshooter, Dual Wielder (hand crossbows?), but I'm open to other suggestions (Skulker?)…
Right now, I'm using my Psychic Blades because I get 2 attacks, but I may switch to a light crossbow at higher levels because I think a single attack does more damage than 2 psychic blade attacks (not sure about this though). Can I even use a heavy crossbow? Other options?
Thanks!
What rules are you playing under: 2014 or 2024?
What are your ability scores?
As a Soulknife, it would be a shame to not use the ability that gives you your namesake, so I would go for feats that will make you better at using those. Don't forget that you can throw your Psychic Blades, and you do get to add your ability modifier to the bonus action attack. Assuming 2024 rules, here are a few good pickups to consider:
Skulker - +1 Dex, 10ft Blindsight, missed attacks when hidden don't reveal your location, advantage on Stealth checks to Hide in combat
Speedy - +1 Dex, 10 foot speed increase, Opportunity Attacks have disadvantage against you, you ignore Difficult Terrain when you Dash
Mage Slayer - +1 Dex, casters have disadvantage on Concentration saves after you damage them, 1 free auto-success on a failed Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma save per rest
If you can use old content:
Elven Accuracy - +1 Dex, your attacks with advantage using Dex/Int/Wis/Cha get to roll 3d20 instead of 2d20
Honorable Mention:
Telekinetic - +1 Int/Wis/Cha, Learn the Mage Hand cantrip which you can cast without V/S components, telekinetic shove as a bonus action (this one feels thematic, and a decent pickup if you have an odd modifier on one of your mental stats)
Personally, I would go with Skulker if you can't use older content, and Elven Accuracy if you can. the super advantage is awesome on any Rogue because missing your attacks is a major bummer, and Vex + Elven Accuracy will basically mean you will never miss once you get Vex going.
To follow Jounichi1983. What is your ability score? A dex that is an odd number, maybe go with a feat that gives you a +1, but if the score is an even number, adding a +1 does not give you much, but it does set you up for the next level that gives you asi. In that case, do you play a slow game, get a feat and wait or add a +2 and get that bonus increased?
Do you need two abilities to be increased? If so maybe forget the feat this round and boost both scores.
Basically needing a feat and needing a boost, means you have to determine which is a better short term gain and which needs to wait for long term.
For Rogue DEX is king so i would try increase its modifier, and for feat Skulker would be a good choice to help you Hide.
These are some great ideas, thanks!
Using Soulknife features would be nice. I have been trying to throw 2 blades each turn.
We're using 2024 rules. Slow game, I guess (not sure what that is, but our rounds take a long time, hehe)?
Here's some of my character stats from Level 2. I've since levelled up to 3 and chose Soulknife, so the stats are a little higher now.
(If you right click and "Open image in new tab", it will be twice as big)
Increasing to DEX 20 would give you +1 attack roll, damage roll, Initiative, AC, DEX save, DEX check
This is the choice that needs to be made. Immediately receive the benefits listed by Plaguescarred or wait to receive those benefits on level 8, but get a feat now.
However, if you go for the 2 point ASI upgrade now, when you get the feat at 8th level, you will/might not be able to get the +1 dex benefit, so you will get 0 ASI.
From a pure paper pusher POV, you would be more efficient to get the feat at 4 level and +2 at level 8. however, getting the +2 ASI might be a better short term value.
As you already have an 18 Dex, you are already ahead of where most would be at 4th level using point buy (I understand you didn't use point buy, but that is the baseline).
If you had a 16 dex, i'd say go +2 to Dex at this level, then consider Feats at 8th level. However, you already have an 18 dex at 4th level, so I would go with a Feat this time around. You don't really "need" that 20 ability score until 12th level 'ish'.
As a Soulknife, I would go Sharpshooter at 4th level with your ability scores. The +1 to Dex is negligible (but sets things up for later), but the ignoring of cover, being able to take ranged attacks in melee without disadvantage, etc. would be very useful. Ignoring cover is the equivalent of +2 or +5 to hit against targets that think they're safe.
I would use your psychic blades as your primary form of attack, and I would do so ranged and Sharpshooter helps that with. Remember, most monsters don't have ranged attacks, and the farther you are from your enemy the less damage you take (and the longer they take to reach you). Being able to stand off and attack at range, ignoring cover, and depending on the weapon being able to ignore range categories while still applying sneak attack is your bread and butter with a Soulknife.
Any enemy that steps up to one of your allies, becomes your target = sneak attack.
That would be my recommendation.
Playing D&D since 1982
Have played every version of the game since Basic (Red Box Set), except that abomination sometimes called 4e.
I'd do ASI to max out your DEX. Most subclass features of Soul Knife revolve around you using the psychic blades, so it makes no sense to swap to any other weapon, and the only feat that would really make a big difference to your psychic blades is Fighting Initiate: Thrown Weapon Fighting (if you DM allows that content). Skulker could be good if you are using the Hide action to get your Sneak Attack, but if you have many melee allies that are giving you Sneak Attack opportunities it probably isn't worth it.
Benefits of Sharpshooter letting you Firing Into Melee and Long Shots don't work with Psychic Blade because it's not a ranged weapon but a melee weapon.
True, but he did say he was also looking at carrying a ranged weapon. And the benefits of ignoring cover apply to ranged attacks, not just ranged weapons. I would still go with Sharpshooter given what he's trying to do, but that's just my advice - he's free to do as he pleases.
Skulker - i do not believe would be very useful. It is so easy to get sneak attack without needing to be hidden, that hiding in combat is almost pointless (see other threads on that topic). It is also easy to get advantage, which again, means there's really no need to ever hide in combat; and since you're not hiding, there's no need for an ability that allows you to stay hidden, if you're not hiding in the first place. Using Cunning Action to hide is almost always inferior to the other choices for a bonus action (disengage, off-hand attack).
Again, these are just my suggestions - but everyone I have seen taking Skulker ends up regretting the choice when they see what they've given up to use it. Skulker is one of those things that works best on solo play, or NPCs, not PCs who always travel in a group.
Playing D&D since 1982
Have played every version of the game since Basic (Red Box Set), except that abomination sometimes called 4e.
Great analysis @HarmAssassin (your previous post too). You seem to understand what I'm trying to do.
Unfortunately, it looks like @Plaguescarred is right about Sharpshooter not bypassing disadvantage for melee or long ranged attacks with Psychic Blades, but:
I like your alternate viewpoint on Skulker. My counter question would be that I like to be in total cover or hidden so enemies can't target me.
What's a good way besides Hide to avoid being targeted by ranged enemies or approached and targeted by melee enemies? I suppose I could stay out of their range weapon range or their movement range, but that's not always easy to know or track.
Also, if I'm not hiding to get advantage, then what are some easy ways to get advantage so I can Sneak Attack? I know about these:
Any suggestions? Is there a better feat now or later that would help with these goals?
When looking at the Feats, I didn't understand what the "Fighting Style Feat (Prerequisite: Fighting Style Feature)" means.
I'm not sure if those are available to me?
It refers to the class feature held by Fighters, Paladins, and Rangers.
Fighting Initiate is from 2014 rules, which was designed to allow classes without Fighting Style to get a Fighting Style. Hence why I mentioned "if your DM allows it".
If you already have 18 DX, then take the full ASI to get to 20 DX. Rogue is pretty much the SADest of the SAD, and just gets great benefits from that. (If you had a 17, per point buy or standard array, then a General Feat would be great, but for now you can wait until level 8.)
Edit: specifically, +1 to attack, +1 to damage, +1 to AC, +1 to initiative, +1 to Stealth (, +1 to Acrobatics, +1 to Sleight of Hand)...